Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Slow-cooked to tender perfection with a rich sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts (skin on or skinless)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp olive oil (optional)
- ½ cup (120ml) white wine + ½ cup water OR 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 4 tbsp diced sun-dried tomatoes (drained)
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp chicken bouillon (if using wine)
- 1 cup (225g) sour cream or heavy cream
- 1 tbsp cornstarch diluted in 2 tbsp cold water (optional)
- 2-3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp flat leaf parsley or fresh basil (chopped)
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Step 2: Heat butter and olive oil in a pan or slow cooker with a browning function. Pan-fry the chicken, skin side down, until golden.
- Step 3: Turn the chicken over and transfer to the slow cooker if needed. Pour in the white wine and water mixture or chicken broth. Add paprika, garlic granules, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken bouillon if using wine.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 90 minutes to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Step 5: (Optional) About 10 minutes before cooking ends, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. If using sour cream, you may skip this step.
- Step 6: Push the chicken to one side and stir sour cream or heavy cream into the sauce. Add grated Parmesan and chopped parsley or basil, mixing well.
- Step 7: Serve the chicken with the creamy sauce over rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side.
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful result.
- Substitute fresh garlic for garlic granules for a more robust garlic flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce without cornstarch, use heavy cream instead of sour cream.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Storage
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain sauce consistency. Avoid boiling after adding sour cream to prevent curdling.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and safe internal temperatures. If using frozen, allow extra cooking time and check the temperature carefully.
What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. The creamy sauce also works well spooned over crusty bread to soak up every bit of flavor.
PrintCrock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked low and slow in a flavorful creamy sauce infused with Italian herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for an effortless dinner, the chicken simmers in a savory broth enriched with cream, creating a rich and comforting meal to serve over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 chicken breasts (skin on or skinless)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Liquids and Fats
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp olive oil (optional)
- ½ cup (120ml) white wine + ½ cup water OR 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
Flavorings and Add-ins
- 4 tbsp diced sun-dried tomatoes (drained)
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp chicken bouillon (if using wine)
Sauce Components
- 1 cup (225g) sour cream or heavy cream
- 1 tbsp cornstarch diluted in 2 tbsp cold water (optional)
- 2–3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp flat leaf parsley (or fresh basil, chopped)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to evenly coat the surface for a balanced herbaceous flavor.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat unsalted butter and optional olive oil in a pan or the slow cooker’s browning function. Add the chicken breasts skin side down and pan-fry until golden brown to develop flavor and seal juices.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Transfer chicken to the slow cooker if not already there. Pour in the white wine and water or chicken broth. Add paprika, garlic granules, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken bouillon if wine is used. This combination will create a rich, savory cooking liquid.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on the low setting for 90 minutes to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and tender.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): About 10 minutes before cooking ends, stir in the cornstarch slurry to activate and thicken the sauce. This step is optional if using sour cream, which will already provide creaminess.
- Finish the Sauce: Move the chicken breasts to one side of the slow cooker. Stir in the sour cream or heavy cream with the sauce until smooth and fully incorporated. Add grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or basil for an herbal, cheesy finish.
- Serve: Plate the creamy chicken over your choice of rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce and enjoy a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can use white wine or chicken broth as the cooking liquid depending on your preference and availability.
- The cornstarch slurry is optional but helps thicken the sauce if you prefer a richer consistency.
- If using sour cream, skip adding cornstarch to avoid curdling the sauce.
- Browning the chicken before slow cooking enhances flavor and texture but can be omitted if you prefer simpler prep.
- Fresh parsley or basil adds brightness at the end but can be substituted with dried herbs if needed.
- Make sure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Keywords: Crock Pot Chicken, Slow Cooker Chicken, Creamy Chicken Recipe, Marry Me Chicken, Italian Chicken Crockpot, Easy Chicken Dinner
